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Mrs. Smith was seated beside Jane, while her beloved nephew, Andrew, sat across from them.

The past two days had been difficult, yet filled with joy.

They had accomplished all they had set out to do and were now on their way to Hertfordshire to meet Jane's family.

Andrew was reading a story to little Clara, who rested against him, asking countless questions with the curiosity only a child possesses.

Meanwhile, Matilda, curled up in Jane's arms, slept soundly.

Jane pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead now and then, hoping to soothe her.

The four-year-old had grown attached to her and hardly wished to be apart from her.

Amelia—Mrs. Smith—could not help but notice the way Andrew looked at Jane when he thought no one was watching.

His gaze held admiration, even tenderness.

She quietly hoped that the two young people would grow to love one another and build a joyful family, not only for themselves but also for the girls—and perhaps, one day, for their own future children.

"Beyond that bridge is Longbourn," Jane said softly.

"I do hope my mother is feeling a little better, so you may spend time with her and become acquainted.

I am certain she is eager to meet you, Andrew.

" As she spoke, Matilda stirred, and Jane gently smoothed her hair.

"You are such a lovely girl," she murmured to her.

"Soon, you shall meet my mother and my sisters.

I am sure they will love you just as I do.

" "Aunt Jane, may I play with the cat?" Clara asked excitedly.

"I have always wanted to have one." The two little girls had spent nearly four months under the care of servants, with no family around.

The prospect of being surrounded by such warmth thrilled them.

"If aunt Jane agrees, we may adopt a cat for the household," Andrew said with a smile.

"I think it is an excellent idea," Jane replied.

"Surely, one of the tenants must have a cat that has recently had kittens—or is about to.

" "I want a cat as well," added Mrs. Smith playfully, "so when Clara and Matilda come to visit, they may play with mine.

" The conversation turned merrily to animals, particularly the cats and dogs of Longbourn.

Clara chattered happily with Andrew and Jane, while Matilda remained quiet, watching everything with wide eyes.

She smiled shyly, clearly pleased to see her sister so full of joy.

When they finally arrived at Longbourn, Andrew helped the ladies down from the carriage.

Mrs. Bennet and her three daughters were waiting anxiously at the entrance.

Before introducing her husband and new family, Jane turned to Andrew and murmured, "Do not forget what we discussed yesterday.

" "Have no fear," he replied gently. "I shall help you as you have helped me.

" Jane had asked Andrew not to speak the whole truth to her mother.

Instead, they would say that although the marriage had occurred quickly, it had been based on mutual respect and admiration.

She did not want her mother to believe she was trapped in a loveless union.

It pained Jane to see how pale and frail her mother looked.

So much had happened in recent months; sorrow had become almost a fixture in their lives.

Yet Jane understood it, and knew she must be strong.

The introductions were made with warmth and decorum, and Jane was pleasantly surprised by the grace and composure with which her mother and sisters received their guests.

Life at Longbourn had clearly changed in the last three months.

"My dear Mrs. Smith, you cannot know how grateful I am for standing by my niece when she needed support," Mrs. Bennet said emotionally.

"And to you, my Lord, for seeing my daughter for who she is and not for what she lacks in wealth or station, as so many others do.

" "Mrs. Bennet," Andrew replied sincerely, "meeting your daughter has been the finest blessing in my life.

I am deeply thankful that she chose to place her trust in me—to build a family with me and with my nieces.

" He offered her his arm, and the two entered the house together, engaged in friendly conversation.

Mary, Kitty, and Lydia embraced Jane warmly and congratulated her on marrying a man who respected and cherished her.

Though they would only be able to stay at Longbourn for one night, they were determined to make the most of it.

Mrs. Bennet was entirely charmed by her new son-in-law.

He was not only well-mannered and generous but also seemed genuinely eager to support the family.

For her part, Mrs. Bennet asked for nothing more than the happiness of her daughters.

Amanda, observing everything, began to feel a quiet loneliness.

She knew her nephew would now dedicate himself entirely to his new life and family.

Wanting to free him from concern over her well-being, she thought it might be a good idea to invite Mary to live with her—not as a companion, but as a beloved niece.

They both enjoyed music, particularly the piano, and Amanda sensed that Mary would benefit from a broader social life.

Kitty and Lydia were enchanted with Clara and Matilda, who were quiet, polite, and eager for attention.

The prospect of having little ones in the house again lifted everyone's spirits.

Later, Mrs. Bennet asked Andrew to accompany her to the study.

There, she took the opportunity to share things about her daughter that he, perhaps, did not yet know.

"My Lord," she said earnestly, "I beg you to be patient with my Jane.

She is shy and often struggles to express her feelings.

My Lizzy has always known how to protect herself and how to silence those who pry or provoke—but my sweet Jane has always turned the other cheek.

She has suffered greatly of late, and she deserves a measure of peace…

and happiness." As Andrew listened to his mother-in-law, his thoughts turned to the woman he had married.

He recalled how Jane had spoken with quiet resolve when she offered to marry him, and how fiercely she had stood her ground in front of Agnes.

He knew better than most that pain often breeds strength—and he was certain Jane had grown into her fortitude not for herself alone, but for the sake of her family.

He was proud of his wife. She had not only faced tragedy but had overcome it, preserving her dignity and gentleness in the process.

Still, Andrew suspected there was more to her sorrow than the loss of her father.

He could not shake the feeling that Jane had endured another heartbreak—one she had yet to speak of.

'Is it possible that Jane had once loved a man who abandoned her due to her sudden fall in social standing?

' Andrew wondered. 'Who could be so foolish as to cast aside such a beautiful and exceptional woman?

' "We shall be moving to a house in Meryton within two months," said Mrs. Bennet.

"My brother-in-law, Mr. Phillips, is arranging everything.

The new house will be much smaller than Longbourn, but you—and your family—shall always be welcome there.

" "And we shall visit you as often as possible," Andrew replied warmly.

"Jane, the girls, and I intend to spend most of the season at my estate, and you are welcome to use my London house whenever you wish.

And, of course, I hope you will come to Parkland as well.

It fills me with great joy to know that I now have so many sisters.

" He laughed lightly before adding, "Also, I would like to contribute to the purchase of your new home.

We could find something larger and more comfortable for you and your daughters.

" "No, my Lord, that will not be necessary," Mrs. Bennet replied with gracious firmness.

"The house we are considering suits us perfectly.

But I do thank you—and I shall most certainly accept your kind invitation.

My daughters and I are very much looking forward to spending the summer at your estate with your charming nieces and Mrs. Smith.

" "I am delighted to hear it, Mrs. Bennet.

By then, your mourning period will have ended, and I intend to host a ball to introduce my wife to the community.

In the meantime, however, I shall be organizing a small dinner in her honour.

My carriage will be sent to fetch you in a few days—and I shall also arrange for Miss Elizabeth to join us.

She will come to live with us." "Oh, my Lord," Mrs. Bennet exclaimed, her voice trembling.

"You cannot know what it means to me that you are helping my Lizzy…

It breaks my heart to think that she has had to work to support us…

" Her voice faltered as fresh tears rolled down her cheeks.

"I am so sorry—I do not know what is the matter with me.

I cannot seem to stop crying." "Please, do not distress yourself, Mrs. Bennet," said Andrew gently.

"You have endured a great deal in recent months.

And I beg you—do not call me my Lord. I am your son now.

Please, call me Andrew." "Of course, my dear Andrew," she said, deeply moved, embracing her son-in-law with heartfelt affection.

That evening at dinner, Andrew shared with his sisters-in-law all his plans for the coming months.

Kitty and Lydia were thrilled at the prospect of new diversions and delightful company.

Mary, meanwhile, felt sincerely encouraged by Mrs. Smith's kind attention and looked forward to cultivating a deeper acquaintance with her.

There was, for the first time in many months, a shared sense of hope—and a quiet joy that began to blossom once more at Longbourn.